Optimization With a SIP Trunk

Successful businesses are always looking for ways to improve how they do business. Whether it’s lowering their overhead costs or streamlining a new system.

But there’s a new system that many business owners still haven’t heard about. It’s called SIP Trunking. It allows the entire phone system to operate using the internet rather than traditional phone lines.

There are myriad benefits to using a SIP trunk system. Let’s learn more about SIP trunking and why every business owner should consider making the switch.

How SIP Works

SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol. What it does is allow people to communicate with one another anywhere in the world. All they need is a computer or mobile device and internet access.

SIP trunking works with VoIP phone systems (Voice Over Internet Protocol). It’s based on SIP. It eliminates the need to have a physical connection with a phone company. No wires, hardware, or circuit boxes are needed.

Instead, the SIP trunk is installed virtually over the businesses existing internet connection. The business is then free to make both voice and video calls to anyone, anywhere.

What the Requirements Are

Any company looking to make the switch to a SIP trunk needs to meet a few requirements. A SIP address and account need setting up. This is usually free and can be done online.

Next, a program called the SIP client is installed on a computer or mobile device. It contains softphone functionality along with other features. This provides an interface in which to communicate.

Obviously, an internet connection is also needed. Sufficient bandwidth is required for voice and video communication.

Businesses will also need devices in order to hear and see one another. Usually, headsets, earpieces, a webcam, and a microphone are necessary.

Lastly, a SIP address will be given to the business. The SIP address acts exactly like a phone number. Other businesses who also use this system will then be able to use it for free.

It Helps Reduce Costs

Using a SIP trunk system helps reduce costs. It’s a great cost-reducing solution for businesses who are experiencing the following:

• Long distance charges
• Expensive charges for incoming phone lines
• Any IT and maintenance fees
• High monthly phone bills
• Any constraints in terms of limited communications technology

With SIP trunking technology, a company only has to pay for the number of channels they need. There’s no more getting locked into having more analog lines or T1s and PRIs that aren’t being used.

Instead, a company only pays for what they need. They also are only paying for the minutes used.

If a caller is making an international call, there are no longer any fees. The only expense is the internet connection and VoIP hardware.

Companies can now make efficient use of communication costs. It’s also possible to reduce or completely eliminate wasted resources.

SIP Trunk is a Reliable System

Thanks to SIP working through the internet, it’s a much more reliable system. It’s easy to add or scale back on lines when a company needs to. It’s also incredibly fast and easy to do so.

Having a SIP trunk with VoIP increases reliability. It does so by providing a level of redundancy. When there’s a system failure or an emergency, SIP trunking providers reroute services to either a redundant data line or they’ll forward the PBX to a mobile phone.

Thanks to this technology, there’s never a time when a company has to deal with the fact that their phone lines are down. It simply won’t happen anymore.

Easy Installation and Maintenance

Installation of the SIP trunk is easy. It can literally be as simple as plugging in a USB dongle to a laptop. The SIP trunk also works with most modern phones.

At the time of installation, if needed, the company’s internet connection is upgraded. Routers are placed to keep everyone connected online.

If a problem occurs, like a VoIP phone breaking, just plug it into a new unit. The old phone number is still usable.

It’s also possible to transfer and use all the phone numbers a business is currently using. Every single employee will now have an affordable phone number.

There’s also no need to maintain analog or an IP infrastructure. Therefore, there’s far less maintenance required to use this system.

While businesses will definitely enjoy the new features this system offers, there’s no need to give up on many of the features a regular landline provided. That means a business can place calls on hold, transfer cold calls and warm calls, and automate their phone menu systems.

Increased Productivity

Using a SIP trunk system allows a company to go beyond audio calls. It’s now possible to e-mail, hold conferences, and even browse for research. All while a call is going on.

This means an employee can easily increase their productivity levels even when they’re on a phone call. But increased productivity levels don’t stop there.

With unified messaging, it enables an employee to manage their calls, e-mails, and even fax. Since the system is more reliable, a business will notice increased productivity since there’s no more downtime due to broken or bad phone connections.

Businesses can now seamlessly connect with multiple offices. The ability to use mobile phones with SIP allows employees to work remotely. With reduced international costs, employees have the ability to reach out globally to promote the business.

The Cons

There’s really not much of a downside when it comes to using a SIP trunk. However, it should be noted that the quality of service is not a guarantee.

It’s common for internet connections to have lags and delays. These usually only occur if it’s not configured correctly or the bandwidth isn’t sufficient enough.

Also, not all phones will work well with this system. Older analog or digital phones will not work.

Try It Out Today

The benefits of SIP trunking far outweigh the small problems a company might encounter when they make the switch.

To learn more about the various features that SIP trunking provides, click here.